Keynote speaker Carol Spiker, co-originator of the first picnic in 2010 recalled its early years and recognized members of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) John A Sutter Chapter in Citrus Heights and the members of the Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 and its Auxiliary. 

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – Veterans and their families gathered on Saturday, April 18 to recall their service to the nation and to enjoy the return of the annual Veterans Family Picnic in Citrus Heights.

The first Veteran’s Family picnic was held on Sept. 11, 2010, and was suspended for a time due to COVID. The event was brought back this year in a collaborative partnership between members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Citrus Heights American Legion Post 637 and the GFWC Citrus Heights Women’s Club.

Keynote speaker was Carol Spiker, co-originator of the first picnic in 2010 who recalled its early years and recognized members of the three sponsoring groups in attendance and thanking sponsors and resource groups which took part.

The brief ceremony also included a presentation on the planned Citrus Heights Veterans Memorial project, a place where the community can gather, reflect and pay tribute to the sacrifices of those who have served.

A banner listing the names of all of California’s service members who have fallen during the Global War on Terrorism provided a somber reminder of the price of freedom we all enjoy.

A banner listing the names of all of California’s service members who have fallen during the Global War on Terrorism provided a somber reminder of the price of freedom we all enjoy.

Veterans and their families enjoyed a hearty BBQ lunch following a presentation and posting of the colors after a brief opening ceremony.

The picnic was held at the Rusch Park Gazebo Pavilion Picnic Area at 7801 Auburn Blvd., not far from the Citrus Heights World War II Memorial in Rusch Community Park.

Veterans and their families came together to enjoy an afternoon of good food and fun with plenty of time for camaraderie and an opportunity to stop by a wide range of booths which featured resources available to them.

In the spring of 2010 Spiker, then president of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club and others realized the veterans of their city had no “home of their own” and sought to create an event where they would feel welcomed home.

“It started out very official with a lengthy program of guest speakers including the mayor and city council, but now it’s more relaxed and casual,” she said.

Spiker said she took the idea of bringing back the Veteran’s Picnic to members of the Citrus Heights American Legion, and it wasn’t long before members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) wanted to get involved. The three groups also received support from the city of Citrus Heights and planning for the event soon began.

The three groups agreed to schedule the Veteran’s Picnic in April so not conflict with the American Legion Post 637’s annual Battle of the Bands and BBQ fundraiser event held on Sept. 12 in Rusch Community Park.

Veterans and their families came together to enjoy an afternoon of good food and fun with plenty of time for camaraderie and an opportunity to stop by a wide range of booths which featured resources available to them.

In 2010, Spiker said there was no established place in the city of Citrus Heights where they could meet to talk with others who understand their unique concerns connected to their military service.

That soon changed in 2011, when the Veterans Golf Park for Disabled Veterans, dba the Citrus Heights Veterans Center, a self-funded non-profit 501(3)(c) established by the late James and Jeanne Rounsavell opened.

Representatives of the Citrus Heights Veterans Center were on hand to describe the center’s amenities and programs. The Center serves up to 150 veterans monthly by providing meals twice a week.  In addition, our veterans and their guests are welcome to make use of the center's recreational amenities and educational resources during their open hours.

“The approach is much more casual that the event first started,” Spiker remembered.

Games, activities, face painting and children’s projects were provided by members of the DAR General John A. Sutter Chapter in Citrus Heights. Representatives of the Citrus Heights Women’s Club also handed out children’s fun-filled goodie bags to each family.

A BBQ lunch was provided by Wild Wade’s BBQ, with all the fixings.

Veterans and their families enjoyed a hearty BBQ lunch following a presentation and posting of the colors after a brief opening ceremony.

Resource booths included representatives of the Gold Star Moms, Citrus Heights Veterans Center Readjustment Counseling, Citrus Heights HART, Jakes Journey Home Community Assist Center, Stars and Stripes Dog Rescue & Training Center, Learning to Thrive empowerment program, and the San Juan Unified School District Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program.

“I’m very thankful for the partnership which has helped to bring the Veterans Family Picnic back, and I hope that this annual event can continue in the years ahead,” Spiker said.

The American Legion Auxiliary was one of the organizations present at the Veterans Family Picnic.